Valtatien 2 liikenneturvallisuustarkastus välillä Loimaa–Pori

Valtatie 2 Helsingistä Poriin toimii Satakunnan maakunnan pääliikenneyhteytenä pääkaupunkiseudulle ja se kuuluu EU:n päättämään TEN-T-verkkoon. Yhteysvälin pituudesta puolet sijaitsee Varsinais-Suomen ELY-keskuksen alueella ulottuen Loimaan, Huittisten, Kokemäen, Harjavallan, Nakkilan, Ulvilan ja Porin alueelle. Valtatietä on vuosien saatossa parannettu kohteittain pienempinä kokonaisuuksina: on porrastettu liittymiä, on rakennettu eritasoliittymiä ja vilkkaimmille osuuksille on tehty nelikaistaistuksia ja ohituskaistoja. Nykyisen tien liikennemäärät ja palvelutaso vaihtelevat kuitenkin osuuksittain merkittävästi. Valtatien parantamiseksi on laadittu erillissuunnitelmia ja valtatien parantamista on sivuttu sekä liikennejärjestelmä- että kunnittaisissa liikenneturvallisuussuunnitelmissa. Koko valtatien 2 parantamiseksi on käynnistymässä vuonna 2016 palvelutasolähtöinen kehittämisselvitys. Nykytilanteen analyysin, maastokäyntien ja työryhmätyöskentelyn pohjalta valtatielle 2 on määritetty yhteensä yli 90 parantamiskohdetta, joihin on esitetty noin 250 toimenpidettä. Toimenpiteet on jaettu kolmeen kategoriaan: A) Ajoratamaalaukset, B) Liikennemerkkijärjestelyt ja C) Infratoimenpiteet. Suurin osa toimenpiteistä on pieniä, kustannustehokkaita ja nopeasti toteutettavissa olevia. Toimenpiteet on jaettu kahteen kiireellisyysluokkaan ja jokaiselle toimenpiteelle on esitetty vastuutaho ja karkea yksikkökustannusarvio. Kaikkien hankkeiden yhteenlaskettu kustannusarvio on 9,9 miljoonaa euroa (osa kustannusarvioista puuttuu, koska toimenpiteet vaativat jatkosuunnittelua). Selvityksessä esitettyjen toimenpiteiden yhteenlaskettu laskennallinen henkilövahinko-onnettomuuksien vähenemä on 1,6 henkilövahinkoon johtanutta onnettomuutta vuodessa (nykyisin 22 heva-onnettomuutta vuodessa). Varsinais-Suomen ELY-keskus pyrkii resurssiensa rajoissa toteuttamaan tulevina vuosina esitettyjä toimenpiteitä. Toimenpiteiden toteutusta tullaan seuraamaan ja ensimmäinen seurantapalaveri järjestetään kahden vuoden kuluttua vuoden 2018 lopussa.

Understanding round-tripping phenomenon in Russian context – case Cyprus

Russian FDI has a few peculiarities. One of them is round-tripping. Round-tripping is defined as transfer of funds abroad, usually to offshore financial centers (OFCs), and then bringing all or some of the investment back as foreign investment. Russian context was chosen for this study because the share of round-tripping investments from country’s total FDI is extensive. However, it needs to be addressed that this is not just a Russian phenomenon. Round-tripping is used by many developed and developing countries, and most of the countries have their own designated destinations for this kind of capital, much like Cyprus is the main destination for Russian capital. It is important to study this phenomenon further, since it falsifies FDI statistics and can lead to poor decisions on state level. Theoretical part of the study tries to determine weather traditional FDI and internationalization theories fit to explain the Russian round-tripping phenomenon. Traditional FDI and internationalization theories are first introduced in general terms, and then further examined in Russian context. In traditional endogenic FDI theories, when the capital is formed in one country it goes abroad to find better profits. At a first glance, this seemed not to be the case in round-tripping. However, during the study it became rather clear that with few adjustments and changes in perspective, traditional theories could be used to explain round-tripping phenomenon. For example, OLI paradigm can be further developed into OLIH paradigm with ‘H’ representing the important home country institutions. Transaction based view and resource seeking theories were also seen well equipped to explain round-tripping with a change in perspective. The latter part of the study focused on holistic understanding of Russian –Cyprian investment relationship. Study aims to shed light into the determinants and consequences of this phenomenon for both countries involved. The two share historical, cultural and political ties, but most importantly common financial interests. Russian companies seek security and financial knowledge to maneuver their assets and Cyprian economy largely is dependent on their disproportionally large financial sector. Consequences for Cyprian economy were seen in current economic crisis, when the need for their financial services diminished. Russian government on the other hand is losing vast amounts of tax money due to this phenomenon. A rather extreme view was also introduced in this study. Round-tripping phenomenon and OFCs are an important reason why corruption exists, since if one does not have a way to make ill-gained money legitimate why try to ill-gain the money at the first place. The most important finding of the study is that round-tripping companies are in a better competitive position than genuine and purely domestic investor due to their institutional knowledge.

Peltipoliisi hengenpelastajana!

todistettu, että mitä suuremmat ajonopeudet, sitä useampia kuolonkolareita. Siksi pieniinkin ylinopeuksiin puututaan. Automaattivalvontakameroita tulisikin kutsua liikenneturvallisuuskameroiksi tai jopa hengenpelastajiksi, koska niiden liikenneturvallisuusvaikutukset ovat kiistattomia.

Caracterización de los pacientes con catéter venoso central en un hospital universitario de cuarto nivel en Bogotá 2011 - 2013

Introducción: La utilización de catéteres venosos centrales (CVC) en la unidad de cuidado intensivo tiene gran importancia y amplio uso, son fuente de apoyo para la realización de varia actividades, pero con un gran potencial de complicaciones, por lo cual es fundamental conocer todos los aspectos relacionados con su uso, para así poder controlarlas. Métodos: Realizamos un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal con el objetivo de caracterizar los pacientes que requirieron CVC en el Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá durante junio de 2011 y mayo de 2013, describimos sus complicaciones asociadas tanto mecánicas como infecciosas, determinamos la tasa de bacteriemia, gérmenes causales y sus patrones de resistencia. Resultados: Se colocaron 2.286 CVC, el 52,9% en hombres, la media de edad fue 58,9 años. El total de las complicaciones ascienden al 4,5%, infecciosas 4,0% y mecánicas 0,6%. Dentro de las mecánicas solo encontramos inmediatas, no tardías. Con respecto a las infecciosas encontramos infección del sitio de inserción y bacteriemia. Se documentó una tasa de bacteriemia de 3,4 por 1000-días catéter en 2013, en disminución con respecto a 2012 (3,9) y 2011 (4,4). El microorganismo mas frecuentemente aislado fue el Staphylococcus Coagulasa Negativo con patrón usual de resistencia. Conclusión: Las complicaciones asociadas al uso de CVC en el HUFSFB, se presentan en menor frecuencia a las descritas internacionalmente; la tasa de bacteriemia asociada al CVC ha disminuido año tras año, posiblemente asociado al cuidado mas estricto posterior a la implementación de protocolos de manejo.

Six new loci associated with body mass index highlight a neuronal influence on body weight regulation

Common variants at only two loci, FTO and MC4R, have been reproducibly associated with body mass index (BMI) in humans. To identify additional loci, we conducted meta-analysis of 15 genome-wide association studies for BMI (n > 32,000) and followed up top signals in 14 additional cohorts (n > 59,000). We strongly confirm FTO and MC4R and identify six additional loci (P < 5 x 10(-8)): TMEM18, KCTD15, GNPDA2, SH2B1, MTCH2 and NEGR1 (where a 45-kb deletion polymorphism is a candidate causal variant). Several of the likely causal genes are highly expressed or known to act in the central nervous system (CNS), emphasizing, as in rare monogenic forms of obesity, the role of the CNS in predisposition to obesity.

An overview on the urban boundary-layer atmosphere network in Helsinki

The Helsinki Urban Boundary-Layer Atmosphere Network (UrBAN: http://urban.fmi.fi) is a dedicated research-grade observational network where the physical processes in the atmosphere above the city are studied. Helsinki UrBAN is the most poleward intensive urban research observation network in the world and thus will allow studying some unique features such as strong seasonality. The network's key purpose is for the understanding of the physical processes in the urban boundary layer and associated fluxes of heat, momentum, moisture, and other gases. A further purpose is to secure a research-grade database, which can be used internationally to validate and develop numerical models of air quality and weather prediction. Scintillometers, a scanning Doppler lidar, ceilometers, a sodar, eddy-covariance stations, and radiometers are used. This equipment is supplemented by auxiliary measurements, which were primarily set up for general weather and/or air-quality mandatory purposes, such as vertical soundings and the operational Doppler radar network. Examples are presented as a testimony to the potential of the network for urban studies, such as (i) evidence of a stable boundary layer possibly coupled to an urban surface, (ii) the comparison of scintillometer data with sonic anemometry above an urban surface, (iii) the application of scanning lidar over a city, and (iv) combination of sodar and lidar to give a fuller range of sampling heights for boundary layer profiling.

Nonrecurrent MECP2 duplications mediated by genomic architecture-driven DNA breaks and break-induced replication repair

Recurrent submicroscopic genomic copy number changes are the result of nonallelic homologous recombination (NAHR). Nonrecurrent aberrations, however, can result from different nonexclusive recombination-repair mechanisms. We previously described small microduplications at Xq28 containing MECP2 in four male patients with a severe neurological phenotype. Here, we report on the fine-mapping and breakpoint analysis of 16 unique microduplications. The size of the overlapping copy number changes varies between 0.3 and 2.3 Mb, and FISH analysis on three patients demonstrated a tandem orientation. Although eight of the 32 breakpoint regions coincide with low-copy repeats, none of the duplications are the result of NAHR. Bioinformatics analysis of the breakpoint regions demonstrated a 2.5-fold higher frequency of Alu interspersed repeats as compared with control regions, as well as a very high GC content (53%). Unexpectedly, we obtained the junction in only one patient by long-range PCR, which revealed nonhomologous end joining as the mechanism. Breakpoint analysis in two other patients by inverse PCR and subsequent array comparative genomic hybridization analysis demonstrated the presence of a second duplicated region more telomeric at Xq28, of which one copy was inserted in between the duplicated MECP2 regions. These data suggest a two-step mechanism in which part of Xq28 is first inserted near the MECP2 locus, followed by breakage-induced replication with strand invasion of the normal sister chromatid. Our results indicate that the mechanism by which copy number changes occur in regions with a complex genomic architecture can yield complex rearrangements.

Demens – Effekter av icke-farmakologiska behandlingsmetoder vid ångest och det särskilda boendets påverkan på välmående och livskvalitet : en litteraturstudie

Syftet med studien var att undersöka effekten av icke-farmakologiska behandlingsmetoder vid tecken på ångest hos individer med demens på särskilt boende samt hur ett särskilt boende för individer med demens bör utformas. Metod: Studien genomfördes som en litteraturstudie med hjälp av 13 vetenskapliga artiklar som ansågs relevanta för studien. Resultat: Att lyssna på musik kan ha en positiv inverkan på individer med demens som visar tecken på ångest, och i kombination med aktivitet öka tankemönster. Enbart aktivitet på verkade inte ångest nämnvärt. Ljusterapi gav en positiv effekt i en studie, medan en annan studie inte visade någon effekt. Hemlik miljö var viktigt vid nybyggnad av särskilda boenden. Särskilda boenden för individer med demens med hemlika förhållanden ger högre livskvalitet, minskad ångest och rädsla hos individer med demens. Individualiserad miljö kunde stödja individens identitet och en stimulerande miljö kunde sänka frekvensen av negativa beteenden. En renovering, för att förbättra den stödjande funktionen och det estetiska intrycket av miljön, på särskilt boende kan leda till försämrad livskvalitet och välmående. Slutsats: Artiklarna i denna studie visar på att miljön påverkar individer med demens och flera av dem tar upp att en hemlik miljö är viktig eller vilka positiva effekter ett boende med hemlik miljö har på individer med demens. Icke-farmakologiska behandlingsmetoder kan ge färre tecken på ångest och sänka användandet av läkemedel.

Limiting glutamate transmission in a Vglut2-expressing subpopulation of the subthalamic nucleus is sufficient to cause hyperlocomotion

The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a key area of the basal ganglia circuitry regulating movement. We identified a subpopulation of neurons within this structure that coexpresses Vglut2 and Pitx2, and by conditional targeting of this subpopulation we reduced Vglut2 expression levels in the STN by 40%, leaving Pitx2 expression intact. This reduction diminished, yet did not eliminate, glutamatergic transmission in the substantia nigra pars reticulata and entopeduncular nucleus, two major targets of the STN. The knock-out mice displayed hyperlocomotion and decreased latency in the initiation of movement while preserving normal gait and balance. Spatial cognition, social function, and level of impulsive choice also remained undisturbed. Furthermore, these mice showed reduced dopamine transporter binding and slower dopamine clearance in vivo, suggesting that Vglut2-expressing cells in the STN regulate dopaminergic transmission. Our results demonstrate that altering the contribution of a limited population within the STN is sufficient to achieve results similar to STN lesions and high-frequency stimulation, but with fewer side effects.

Increased hippocampal excitability and impaired spatial memory function in mice lacking VGLUT2 selectively in neurons defined by tyrosine hydroxylase promoter activity

Three populations of neurons expressing the vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (Vglut2) were recently described in the A10 area of the mouse midbrain, of which two populations were shown to express the gene encoding, the rate-limiting enzyme for catecholamine synthesis, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH).One of these populations (‘‘TH– Vglut2 Class1’’) also expressed the dopamine transporter (DAT) gene while one did not ("TH–Vglut2 Class2"), and the remaining population did not express TH at all ("TH-Vglut2-only"). TH is known to be expressed by a promoter which shows two phases of activation, a transient one early during embryonal development, and a later one which gives rise to stable endogenous expression of the TH gene. The transient phase is, however, not specific to catecholaminergic neurons, a feature taken to advantage here as it enabled Vglut2 gene targeting within all three A10 populations expressing this gene, thus creating a new conditional knockout. These knockout mice showed impairment in spatial memory function. Electrophysiological analyses revealed a profound alteration of oscillatory activity in the CA3 region of the hippocampus. In addition to identifying a novel role for Vglut2 in hippocampus function, this study points to the need for improved genetic tools for targeting of the diversity of subpopulations of the A10 area

Commissioning and performance of the CMS silicon strip tracker with cosmic ray muons

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

The CMS experiment at the CERN LHC

The Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) detector is described. The detector operates at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. It was conceived to study proton-proton (and lead-lead) collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 14 TeV (5.5 TeV nucleon-nucleon) and at luminosities up to 10(34)cm(-2)s(-1) (10(27)cm(-2)s(-1)). At the core of the CMS detector sits a high-magnetic-field and large-bore superconducting solenoid surrounding an all-silicon pixel and strip tracker, a lead-tungstate scintillating-crystals electromagnetic calorimeter, and a brass-scintillator sampling hadron calorimeter. The iron yoke of the flux-return is instrumented with four stations of muon detectors covering most of the 4 pi solid angle. Forward sampling calorimeters extend the pseudo-rapidity coverage to high values (vertical bar eta vertical bar <= 5) assuring very good hermeticity. The overall dimensions of the CMS detector are a length of 21.6 m, a diameter of 14.6 m and a total weight of 12500 t.

Measurement of the muon stopping power in lead tungstate

A large sample of cosmic ray events collected by the CMS detector is exploited to measure the specific energy loss of muons in the lead tungstate (PbWO4) of the electromagnetic calorimeter. The measurement spans a momentum range from 5 GeV/c to 1 TeV/c. The results are consistent with the expectations over the entire range. The calorimeter energy scale, set with 120 GeV/c electrons, is validated down to the sub-GeV region using energy deposits, of order 100 MeV, associated with low-momentum muons. The muon critical energy in PbWO4 is measured to be 160+5 -68 GeV, in agreement with expectations. This is the first experimental determination of muon critical energy. © 2010 IOP Publishing Ltd and SISSA.